Domestic Policy
Severe Weather Emergency: The landslide in Niscemi and the severe weather wave that hit Sicily have reignited political tensions, with the centre-left attacking the government and demanding the resignation of Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci and a briefing from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The opposition highlights political responsibilities and rekindles the debate over the Strait of Messina Bridge, citing it as a symbol of alleged misallocation of resources. The government firmly rejects the idea of diverting funds from the bridge project to address the emergency, stating these funds are earmarked and not interchangeable with civil protection measures. Musumeci and other ministers urge avoiding political controversy and focusing on immediate damage management, while the Ministry of Defence announces the deployment of the Army to ensure connectivity and security.
Defence Reform: The defence reform will reach the Council of Ministers by March, as indicated by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in a letter to President Sergio Mattarella. The initiative stems from the work of a Strategic Committee tasked with drafting legislation based on the country’s operational needs. The reform will focus on enhancing military capabilities, streamlining procedures, personnel organisation, reserves, and cybersecurity. Crosetto hopes for a swift yet thorough parliamentary review, aligned with the international context. Speaking at the Defence Forum, the minister also called for the defence industry to accelerate its pace and improve efficiency.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine Conflict: A seven-day truce on bombing Ukrainian cities has been announced amid an unprecedented cold wave hitting the country, with extreme temperatures and an already severely damaged energy grid. Donald Trump attributes the pause to a direct agreement with Vladimir Putin — unconfirmed by the Kremlin and met with caution in Kyiv. Zelensky thanks the United States but stresses that the ceasefire is not yet in effect and that key political issues remain unresolved, starting with the future of Donbas.
United States: In Minneapolis, White House envoy Tom Homan reaffirms the “law and order” stance, confirming Trump’s policy of cracking down on irregular immigration but promising more targeted operations and oversight of agent conduct. In the background, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the detention and deportation of refugees legally admitted to the United States in Minnesota. The case of young Liam Conejo Ramos, whose deportation has been suspended, remains central to the debate, symbolising tensions between security and rights protection.
Economy and Finance
PNRR Decree: The new PNRR decree, approved by the Council of Ministers, introduces a broad package of administrative simplifications, including the automatic acquisition of ISEE data by public administration, eliminating the need for citizens to submit it manually. The “once only” principle is strengthened, enhancing interoperability between databases and reducing paper documentation — including abolishing the requirement to retain electronic payment receipts. Other innovations include unlimited-duration electronic ID cards for those over 70 and the launch of digital voter cards, albeit with longer implementation timelines. The decree also reduces bureaucratic burdens for businesses, especially small ones, and accelerates procedures for public works.
Exports: In 2025, Italian extra-EU exports continued to grow, driven primarily by the United States, where sales rose by 7.2%, maintaining a substantial trade surplus despite tariff tensions. This positive trend was supported by non-durable consumer goods and intermediate goods, with strong results also toward Switzerland, while declines were recorded in the UK and Turkey.